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Soccer caucus kicks it with stars

Twenty-seven years, 3 million youth players and six consecutive U.S. World Cup qualifications later, representatives aren’t as quick to condemn soccer as uniquely un-American. The Congressional Soccer Caucus is 20 members strong. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), a Kemp disciple who was on last year’s presidential ticket, played soccer in high school.

For the sport, winning political support is crucial to building soccer-specific stadiums the game needs to grow in the United States and wooing the large international tournaments — especially the World Cup — that can build the game’s popularity even further. The U.S. Soccer Foundation also relies on $1 million in federal grants to fund an outreach program for inner-city kids.

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For congressmen, particularly those in suburban districts, a fondness for soccer can link them to their constituents. (Remember how soccer moms were supposed to decide the 1996 presidential election?) And the federal grants back up congressional priorities, including battling child obesity and giving children something to do after school.

“Raising the visibility and reminding members of Congress and others that soccer is no longer an outside sport, but part of who we are in this country, is important,” United States Soccer Foundation President Ed Foster-Simeon told POLITICO. “Drive around any suburban community in this country on a Saturday and thousands of children are playing soccer.”

The professional players were hopeful the politicians could see why their sport — and its foundation — deserves support.

“If we have politicians paying attention, falling in love with the game, seeing the passion people have for the game, they’re going to realize it’s not only about the sport,” said Jones, a midfielder and one of the legendary players in U.S. soccer history. “We all realize soccer is the world’s game. This is about building international ties. This is about helping younger kids.”

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the winning team.